Kucuksu Palace (Kucuksu Pavilion) Tours

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See how the royalty of Istanbul’s past lived centuries ago with a visit to Kucuksu Palace, also referred to as Kucuksu Pavilion or Kucuksu Kasri. Built in the mid-1800s after being commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecit, Kucuksu Palace was used by Ottoman sultans as a summer palace where they headed for some hunting and relaxation.

Kucuksu Palace is smaller compared to other royal summer residences in Turkey, but still has an impressive façade and interior that blends together both European and Ottoman styles from the time period with intricate carvings along the exterior and gilded accents inside. Both history and design buffs will enjoy visiting the palace and learning more about life within its walls and outdoor gardens. The palace still reflects a stately Turkish home from the 19th and 20th centuries with traditional furniture along with a large collection of artwork. The lower level is where the servants and kitchen staff of the sultan lived and it is interesting to walk through to see their way of life as well.

Practical Info

Kucuksu Palace is located in the Beykoz District of Istanbul, along the Bosphorus Strait on Goksu Mah. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday through Sunday and Tuesday through Wednesday. A small fee is charged to enter the palace and there is also a café on the premises for those who want a snack or drink while enjoying the views of the Bosphorus.

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